Online surveillance and control: Examining Russia's methods of monitoring, censoring, and restricting internet freedom for its citizens
In recent developments, the Russian government is tightening its grip on the internet, implementing comprehensive censorship measures and restricting access to foreign tech services. This move comes as authorities aim to isolate Russia's internet infrastructure from the global network and replace Western platforms with state-approved Russian alternatives.
One of the key current restrictions is the blocking and throttling of foreign services such as YouTube, Microsoft, Zoom, Facebook, and Instagram, severely limiting access to independent information and communication. Additionally, deplatforming and banning of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are in effect, aiming to prevent users from circumventing censorship.
A new Russian law criminalizes online searches for broadly defined "extremist" materials, marking a shift to penalize passive consumption as well as distribution. Fines of up to around $64 USD for individuals are imposed for violations, and the extremist content list maintained by authorities is extensive.
Widespread internet shutdowns and throttling of mobile internet connections have also been reported, disrupting access during politically sensitive periods.
Looking ahead, the Russian government plans to deepen its digital authoritarian regime by completing the migration from Western to Russian-controlled platforms, potentially blocking WhatsApp and other remaining independent communication channels, and enforcing stricter penalties and regulations to reduce any form of dissent or access to dissenting viewpoints online.
The government is also working on implementing the "Sovereign Internet" architecture, which allows authorities to reroute and censor internet traffic internally without reliance on global infrastructure.
These measures are causing frustration, complications, and potential danger for internet users in Russia, as going online can now be a complex and risky endeavour due to the deliberate efforts by authorities to control the internet.
Notably, lawmaker Anton Gorelkin has suggested that WhatsApp could be blocked in Russia, while MAX, a Russian national messaging app, is being promoted as a one-stop shop for messaging, online government services, making payments, and more. However, VPN apps are routinely blocked in Russia.
Experts have pointed out instances of deliberate throttling, such as the disruption of YouTube access last summer, and reported that several popular Western hosting providers are being inhibited. Independent news site Mediazona has also reported such incidents.
These developments date back to 2011-12, when the internet was used to challenge authority in Russia, prompting the Kremlin to strive for control over the internet space and censor things, manipulate traffic, and adopt restrictive laws. After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government blocked major social media like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as Signal and a few other messaging apps.
In summary, Russia's government pursues a dual strategy of isolating its internet from the global network while mandating and promoting domestic, state-controlled platforms. This control extends beyond censorship to criminalizing user behavior related to accessing restricted content, aiming to fully subordinate online freedom and discourse to state authority.
- Amidst these moves, the rising concern in the general-news sphere is the escalating cybersecurity risks as Russia enforces stricter regulations on technology, particularly the blocking of foreign services and the inhibition of Western hosting providers, which may lead to increased vulnerabilities.
- In the face of the Russian government's tightening grip on the internet and the increasingly politicized cybersecurity measures, it is crucial for the international technology community to closely monitor these developments and advocate for the protection of digital rights and free access to information and communication.
